On becoming an architect

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In my case, I chose to start my own firm around the time that I realized that I was an underpaid and overworked soon-to-be parent with another mouth to feed and the capacity to execute projects that my managers could not, without my help. My school had trained me to design, structure, produce construction drawings and details and present designs and data to clients. I felt lucky that they put us through the entire process, repeatedly, especially since most people don’t even know what an architect actually does. So get the training to produce the thing architects provide, namely detailing, construction plans and technical know-how. The future of integrating energy and automation technology is promising, as are the mechanical, structural and environmental fields. Keep your passion alive, but get paid for your special knowledge. Good luck!